intoxication

Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary

1) The condition of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Intoxication is not criminal until it impairs a person's ability to operate a vehicle with normal caution ("drunk driving") based on specific levels of alcohol in the blood or, in the case of public drunkenness, when the person becomes unable to care for himself, dangerous to himself or others, or the cause of a disturbance. 2) The defense to a criminal charge, in which the defendant claims that intoxication made it impossible for him to form the intent or specific intent to commit the crime. This defense is available only rarely. (See also: intent, specific intent)